Love craft beer? Then you’re in for a treat. Philadelphia is home to some unique and exciting bars. From enjoying a drink in a laundromat-styled speakeasy, to sipping sophisticated cocktails, it’s all on offer. And this being the City of Brotherly Love, the atmosphere is always great.
Here’s our guide to some of the very best Philadelphia nightlife…
HOP SING LAUNDROMAT
This faux speakeasy specializes in delicious cocktails. Situated in the heart of Chinatown, it’s hidden away behind an unmarked door disguised as a launderette, so you’ll have to ring a bell to get in. Expect a short lecture about the bar’s rules before you’re allowed in to enjoy your evening. Definitely one of the most unique venues on the Philadelphia nightlife scene.
View this post on Instagram
Blue Route, Stop: Chinatown
GREY LODGE PUB
This is the outstanding pub in the northeast of the city, offering a huge choice of craft beers from the best local breweries. It’s all wood panelled décor, and your drink might come with a bit of attitude from the bar staff (so be warned). This is a proper pub – the way they were supposed to be. So, don’t expect any luxuries, just a really good time.
View this post on Instagram
MONK'S CAFE
Legend has it that this was the bar that brought Belgian beers to America. In fact, it’s been labelled as one of the ‘top five places in the world to have a beer before you die’ by All About Beer magazine. High praise indeed. Better still, is the fact owner Tom Peters has been officially approved by Trappist monks (hence the name) to serve the very best Belgian beers in the correct manner.
View this post on Instagram
Blue Route, Stop: Academy of Music/Broad Street
SASSAFRAS
Another bar that has the look and feel of a 1920s speakeasy but with an easy and unforced atmosphere too. Order your drinks from friendly bar staff, all decked out in waist aprons and black ties. It’s a small and cozy kind of place right in the heart of the Old City, so it’s easy to find. There’s some great food on offer too in the back room.
View this post on Instagram
Blue Route, Stop: South Street/Head House Square
BRAUHAUS SCHMITZ
For an authentic German drinking experience, hit this place when Bayern Munich or Borrussia Dortmund are playing. Crowds get rowdy and when goals are scored, beers are spilled. Which just gives you the excuse to order another – and with more than 30 German delights on tap, that’s surely a good thing.
View this post on Instagram
Blue Route, Stop: South Street/Head House Square
JOHNNY BRENDA'S
This maze of a place only serves beer brewed within a 100-mile radius of the city. There’s live music upstairs almost every night, and plenty of food on offer (although you might want to eat before the band starts playing). If you’re unsure of which of the countless beers to try, ask the friendly bar staff for a recommendation.
View this post on Instagram
GARAGE
This bar is found in a former body-shop (hence the name) and is more or less a playground for adults. Enjoy a game or two of billiards and check out what’s on offer on the food cart – there’s a rotating line up of chefs on different nights. To drink, choose from more than 150 different beers all served in cans, they like to keep things simple.
View this post on Instagram
THE TWISTED TAIL
A great mix of blues music and whisky – with more than 90 varieties to sample (not all in the same night, obviously). There’s also a good choice of cocktails, with some house specials including the Blueberry Gin. Hang out at the bar or sample some food from the chargrilled menu.
View this post on Instagram
Blue Route, Stop: South Street/Head House Square
From local craft beers to cocktails, and the world’s best whiskies, Philadelphia nightlife is diverse and exciting. Check out any of the above or go on your own adventure – choosing from the hundreds of bars and pubs across the city. And when you’re ready for a bite, check out our guide to the Best Restaurants in Philadelphia.
